In various United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) Action Tracks and Food System Dialogues, agroecology emerged strongly as a key concept for inclusive food systems transformation by fostering the diversity of knowledge systems, ecosystems, and nutrition. There is increasing evidence that agroecology is a powerful strategy to reduce trade-offs between productivity and sustainability and achieve market-driven compensation for positive externalities.

One of its central characteristics is diversity. Although results are mixed and further research is needed, a positive relationship between agricultural diversification and diversified diets is true for many different farming systems. This side event shared knowledge and evidence on agroecology, identified and discussed knowledge and implementation gaps. Potential pathways and changes in framework conditions to foster diversity in knowledge systems, ecosystems, and nutrition to allow for a sustainable food systems transformation were discussed.

FORMAT

The event featured short keynotes to provide the evidence base and key characteristics of agroecological approaches, followed by two interactive panels that discussed practical examples, evidence gaps, and opportunities. Youth representatives were present to provide a future-oriented perspective.

SPEAKERS

Moderation: Ann Tutwiler, Senior Advisor, Just Rural Transition and Senior Fellow, Meridian Institute

Emma Siliprandi, Agriculture Officer, Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Sébastien Treyer, Executive Director, Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI)

Urs Niggli, President, agroecology.science and member of the Swiss National FAO Committee

Shangchuan Jiang, Associate Professional Officers at FAO and young scientist representative for World Food Forum (Youth group)

Rachel Bezner Kerr, Professor, Department of Global Development, Cornell University

Mamadou Goïta, Executive Director, Institute for Research and Promotion of Alternatives in Development (IRPAD)

Fabrice De Clerck, Senior Scientist, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (CGIAR)

Martijn Sonnevelt, Executive Director, World Food System, ETH Zurich and President of the Swiss National FAO Committee

Given the potential of agroecology in sustainably providing safe, nutritious food without compromising on environmental quality and ecosystem services of agricultural landscapes, there is a need for a policy framework bringing all these different roles together. To unlock the potential and the holistic nature of agroecology, new approaches are required to measure the success and impacts of agriculture and food systems. The Side Event called on all actors that are supportive of agroecology, to get actively engaged in the respective action coalitions that are forming under the UNFSS, to ensure the momentum that has been built up around agroecology will be maintained after the Summit.